The second book in this series starts with the main character Sophie catching cats that are used in science experiments at the Institute for Theoretical Physics. From there the book gets even more bizarre. Sophie and her friend Mikael’s family live in flats at this Institute where some of Europe s greatest scientists meet. In this alternate society Germany has taken over much of Europe except for most for the countries near the Baltic and Northern Seas. Sophie learns much about her parents and the tragic explosion that took their lives and, after her great-aunt’s death; she learns even more why their family is so connected to the elusive billionaire, Alfred Nobel. Soon after her great-aunt’s death Sophie’s life begins to unravel as she discovers close kept secrets about the family she never knew about. Along the way she travels to Sweden and inside the Arctic Circle as she discovers herself and what really matters in her life.
In my opinion this book was mediocre at best. Since I didn’t know this book was the second one in the series the parts in this book about the previous book were a little confusing. The author also used many words that I never heard of and the way the characters spoke was different than I was used to. The plot was interesting at times but could get confusing at certain parts. If you were to read this book definitely read the first one first.
Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Loves Park, Illinois United States
Monday, January 03, 2011
Revenge of the Geek by Piper Banks
Miranda Bloom, a junior at Geek High, is ready for school, but Miranda must watch her back, because Geek High (the nickname for her prestigious school, Notting Hill) has a new student, Nora. Nora seems to be a nice friend whom she could connect with, but as time goes on, Miranda becomes suspicious about this girl. Nora is copying her clothes, slowly taking her best friends, and it seems like anything she says could be a lie. Miranda sees Nora for who she really is, but her friends accuse her of being paranoid and jealous. Miranda is determined to expose this copycat for who she really is.
I read the whole book in one evening. I could connect to Miranda, because anyone who has had someone take their ideas and imitate them, feels like she does. I also understand how her friends don't believe her at first. This book has interesting characters, an engaging plot, and it touches real-life topics, like imitation and friends being skeptical of you. This book is an enjoyable read for middle and high school students.
Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leawood, KS United States
I read the whole book in one evening. I could connect to Miranda, because anyone who has had someone take their ideas and imitate them, feels like she does. I also understand how her friends don't believe her at first. This book has interesting characters, an engaging plot, and it touches real-life topics, like imitation and friends being skeptical of you. This book is an enjoyable read for middle and high school students.
Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leawood, KS United States
Sunday, January 02, 2011
For The Love of Stranger, by Jacqueline Horsfall
Philoxenia- a Greek word meaning "love of strangers." Love is exactly what Philoxenia House- a house for women who need to hide from abusive husbands- shows to the strangers it takes in. Darya and Nikki are two children adopted by Tee-tee, the head of Philoxenia house, from Russia many years ago. Told from the point of view of Darya as she struggles with feelings of abandonment and being an adopted child, this story deals with the mundane as well as the fantastic, for little does Darya know that she is born to fulfill an ancient prophecy. As more and more deer are being culled and hunted, she is destined to protect them. Along with Rawley, a boy from the Virgin Islands, she must face an entire town bent on hunting these deer. Will you heed the call?
Personally, while I felt the book had believable characters and I liked the storyline behind and around Philoxenia House, the anti-hunting propaganda that littered this book was a major turn-off, and I had a hard time looking past it. I also wasn't too pleased with the overly feminist undertones of a horned deer goddess. However, looking past the obvious propaganda, the book wasn't poorly written. It was a simple and quick read that dealt with some heavy stuff, such as adoptive families, domestic violence, and feelings of inferiority. Being told from Darya's point of view, you experience some of the feelings of betrayal and neglect that she feels, and can easily relate to her problems. Overall, I give this book a 5/10 rating, and recommend it for readers ages 12 and up.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Sykesville, Maryland United States
Personally, while I felt the book had believable characters and I liked the storyline behind and around Philoxenia House, the anti-hunting propaganda that littered this book was a major turn-off, and I had a hard time looking past it. I also wasn't too pleased with the overly feminist undertones of a horned deer goddess. However, looking past the obvious propaganda, the book wasn't poorly written. It was a simple and quick read that dealt with some heavy stuff, such as adoptive families, domestic violence, and feelings of inferiority. Being told from Darya's point of view, you experience some of the feelings of betrayal and neglect that she feels, and can easily relate to her problems. Overall, I give this book a 5/10 rating, and recommend it for readers ages 12 and up.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Sykesville, Maryland United States
The Christian Lady's Dating Constitution... by Jessica Martin
"The Christian Lady's Dating Constitution" by Jessica Martin is all about how Christian--and all--women deserve to be treated in a relationship. Martin outlines a woman's rights and uncovers some very big myths in the dating world. Copious Bible verses are quoted--hence the Christian theme--but the overall message of the book is for all. Different types of abuse (physical, emotional, mental, etc) are gone over. Case studies are even included where the reader have room to write down what she would have done in each situation.
This book does not talk about how to date or how to get a boyfriend. It is not that type of book. Rather, it is all about what abuse is, how to recognize it, and what steps to take to stop it. Statistics and hotlines make the book feel a bit more professional. The way the writing read, it sounds like the author is speaking one-on-one to the reader; she even shares her own story of abuse. My only criticism is that the syntax with commas and semicolons is not where it should be.
domestic abuse and its warning signs are discussed
Reviewer Age:19
Reviewer City, State and Country: Troy, NY USA
This book does not talk about how to date or how to get a boyfriend. It is not that type of book. Rather, it is all about what abuse is, how to recognize it, and what steps to take to stop it. Statistics and hotlines make the book feel a bit more professional. The way the writing read, it sounds like the author is speaking one-on-one to the reader; she even shares her own story of abuse. My only criticism is that the syntax with commas and semicolons is not where it should be.
domestic abuse and its warning signs are discussed
Reviewer Age:19
Reviewer City, State and Country: Troy, NY USA
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
Andi Alpers is having a tough senior year. After the death of her brother two years ago, she has been self-medicating herself on anti-anxiety pills and has started to slack off in school. The only thing that keeps her somewhat sane is music; playing guitar, studying famous musicians, and listening to her iPod are the only things that Andi has going for her. But when her absent father discovers that Andi has been slacking off so much that she might not graduate, he takes her to Paris with him so she can work on her senior thesis. While in France, Andi discovers the diary of Alexandrine Paradis, a young girl in Revolutionary France who is the companion of the dauphin, Louis-Charles. Immediately Andi finds a connection with Alexandrine, who's love for the young prince parallels Andi's feelings about her own brother. But one night in the Catacombs makes Alexandrine's story come alive, and changes Andi forever.
I thought that Revolution was a magnificient novel. It takes two tough stories - Andi's grief and Alexandrine's suffering during the French Revolution - and makes them feel real. The stories intertwine so perfectly; nothing is rushed and the different tales are not choppy - it's almost as if they belong together. The reader is smoothly and surely drawn into both Andi and Alexandrine's worlds. Jennifer Donnelly did an amazing job of writing about the French Revolution, one of history's most interesting periods. There is so much detail and you feel as if you are there with Alexandrine, experiencing the horror of the Revolution and the Reign of Terror. At time the plot is slow-moving, but it allows for a lot of backstory and for the reader to learn about the Revolution. The parallels between Andi and Alexandrine are uncanny - their names are even an anagram - and it's as if they are the same person living in two different centuries. Revolution was an amazing novel and I recommend everyone to read it.
Reviewer Age:18
Reviewer City, State and Country: Aston, Pennsylvania United States
I thought that Revolution was a magnificient novel. It takes two tough stories - Andi's grief and Alexandrine's suffering during the French Revolution - and makes them feel real. The stories intertwine so perfectly; nothing is rushed and the different tales are not choppy - it's almost as if they belong together. The reader is smoothly and surely drawn into both Andi and Alexandrine's worlds. Jennifer Donnelly did an amazing job of writing about the French Revolution, one of history's most interesting periods. There is so much detail and you feel as if you are there with Alexandrine, experiencing the horror of the Revolution and the Reign of Terror. At time the plot is slow-moving, but it allows for a lot of backstory and for the reader to learn about the Revolution. The parallels between Andi and Alexandrine are uncanny - their names are even an anagram - and it's as if they are the same person living in two different centuries. Revolution was an amazing novel and I recommend everyone to read it.
Reviewer Age:18
Reviewer City, State and Country: Aston, Pennsylvania United States
Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
Flipped is, simply put, the story of a boy and a girl told from both of their perspectives. It follows them for six years. It starts days before their first day of second grade when Bryce moves in next door to Juli. And it follows them throughout elementary and middle school. Flipped documents their struggles and triumphs, giving opposing perspectives to each issue.
Fliped is an incredible story of a girl who loves a boy. And then a boy that loves a girl. The story follows Bryce and Juli, next door neighbors who can never agree. The book is from the perspective of both characters and shows the serious miscommunications they have. The tale takes place in elementary and middle school yet the romance is real. Van Draanen is able to intertwine grade school drama with deep feeling successfully. Van Draanen makes a high school student interested in the young romance.
Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Amherst, MA USA
Fliped is an incredible story of a girl who loves a boy. And then a boy that loves a girl. The story follows Bryce and Juli, next door neighbors who can never agree. The book is from the perspective of both characters and shows the serious miscommunications they have. The tale takes place in elementary and middle school yet the romance is real. Van Draanen is able to intertwine grade school drama with deep feeling successfully. Van Draanen makes a high school student interested in the young romance.
Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Amherst, MA USA
The Last Seal by Richard Denning
A powerful demon named dantalion has been trapped below London for over 300 years. Ben is trapped in school, unaware of the rising threat to the city which will cause the Great Fire of London. When Ben runs away from the school he meets a nice squibe, who turns out to be a magican who is trying to keep Dantalion from rising to his full power, in his shop and buys some books, but gets more than he bargained for. As he is leaving the shop he runs into a thief who is no ordinary thief, but a girl trying to make her way in the world. Ben is charged with thievery and runs for is life after the thief who he teams up with along with the scribe, Gabriel, and a unlikely doctor to stop the rise of Dantalion. As London burns they must race against time to save London and the whole world. Will they stop Dantalion or will the world perish with them with it?
I didn't really like this book due to the fact that it had a pentagram on the cover. Other than that it was a really good book, the way it was written and the characterization. The strengths and weaknesses of this book are excellent word choice but it doesn't flow well. What I mean is that it was kinda of choppy and I didn't really get it half of the time. I would not recommend this book because it is all very religious and kind of boring. There are no inappropriate
scenes in this book but there is a lot of religious beliefs in it.
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Hopkins, Michigan USA
I didn't really like this book due to the fact that it had a pentagram on the cover. Other than that it was a really good book, the way it was written and the characterization. The strengths and weaknesses of this book are excellent word choice but it doesn't flow well. What I mean is that it was kinda of choppy and I didn't really get it half of the time. I would not recommend this book because it is all very religious and kind of boring. There are no inappropriate
scenes in this book but there is a lot of religious beliefs in it.
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Hopkins, Michigan USA
The Skinny On Success by Jim Randel
The Skinny on Success brings attention to the several characteristics of successful people. This book was a self help book. It will help many adults. Maybe some teens or college students on how to be successful. It was a witty way to show you the importance of success.
The author would achieve his purpose on success if the readers are older.I say this because I felt it should be geared towards college students and adults. The strengths of this book are it definitely will help people with the success of jobs and guide them in the right direction. The jokes in the book and the wittiness is geared to adults so it didn't seem all that funny. This book made me realize being successful isn't always easy. Also you should never give up and you should stick to your goal no matter what. Also you can't expect instant success cause nine times out of ten it won't happen. The author could have made the jokes a little more funny because they weren't very amusing. I would recommend this book to older people college age and older. I think this because it was more job related and how to succeed financially and young people don't have to worry about this kind of material just yet.
Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Braintree, Massachusetts USA
The author would achieve his purpose on success if the readers are older.I say this because I felt it should be geared towards college students and adults. The strengths of this book are it definitely will help people with the success of jobs and guide them in the right direction. The jokes in the book and the wittiness is geared to adults so it didn't seem all that funny. This book made me realize being successful isn't always easy. Also you should never give up and you should stick to your goal no matter what. Also you can't expect instant success cause nine times out of ten it won't happen. The author could have made the jokes a little more funny because they weren't very amusing. I would recommend this book to older people college age and older. I think this because it was more job related and how to succeed financially and young people don't have to worry about this kind of material just yet.
Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Braintree, Massachusetts USA
The Official XXXHolic Guide by Clamp
Since the worlds that CLAMP has created are all incredibly complex, this guide is helpful in filling in the blanks that users might have about the manga series. The Official xxxHolic Guide starts out with six full-color mini posters depicting the main characters of the manga - namely Yuko and Watanuki. It then continues to go in depth about the characters, connections to other CLAMP works, and Yuko's best quotes, wardrobe, and favorite things. At the end are various readers' poll results, compatibility tests, and quizzes.
I have not read the xxxHolic manga series before, and this definitely piqued my interest. Having read other CLAMP works, it was fascinating to see the intricate plot threads and parallels that bind various CLAMP mangas together. Coupled with the gorgeous artwork, complex storyline, and explanations on Japanese legends and culture that were integrated into the manga, The Official xxxHolic Guide would be perfect for any CLAMP fan.
Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Palo Alto, CA US
I have not read the xxxHolic manga series before, and this definitely piqued my interest. Having read other CLAMP works, it was fascinating to see the intricate plot threads and parallels that bind various CLAMP mangas together. Coupled with the gorgeous artwork, complex storyline, and explanations on Japanese legends and culture that were integrated into the manga, The Official xxxHolic Guide would be perfect for any CLAMP fan.
Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Palo Alto, CA US
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Fall for Anything by Courtney Summers
Fall for Anything by Courtney Summers is a teen novel about a 17 year old girl, Eddie Reeves, who loses her father to suicide. He was a semi-famous photographer, he was loved, and had a wonderful family, or so it seems. She is constantly enveloped in the question 'why?' She goes on a wild hunt searching for answers, anything that will help her understand why her dad chose to leave this world. With the help of a former student of her father, Culler Evans, she goes on a journey to discover who her father was, and why he made this decision. Along the way though, she finds love and understanding in many forms.
I was initially very intrigued by this novel. I was curious about a story of a young girl working through the suicide of her father. Soon though, I realized the book hit slightly less than my expectations. I was looking for an emotional and powerful novel of discovery and hope. Instead it focused more on Eddie's best friend Milo and his girlfriend, and how much Eddie hated her mom's best friend, and her father's only student and her small crush on him. I was disappointed that this novel was more of a high school - somewhat unrealistic - drama. It had far less depth and contemplation that usually comes with a story line focused on suicide. I was hurt at how the author seemed to almost completely overlook the suicide. Frankly, I was upset the way the suicide of Eddie's father was casually approached. If you enjoy a slightly clicheteen novel, this book is for you, but don't read it if you expect to find anything much deeper than that.
Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Minnetonka, Minnesota United States
I was initially very intrigued by this novel. I was curious about a story of a young girl working through the suicide of her father. Soon though, I realized the book hit slightly less than my expectations. I was looking for an emotional and powerful novel of discovery and hope. Instead it focused more on Eddie's best friend Milo and his girlfriend, and how much Eddie hated her mom's best friend, and her father's only student and her small crush on him. I was disappointed that this novel was more of a high school - somewhat unrealistic - drama. It had far less depth and contemplation that usually comes with a story line focused on suicide. I was hurt at how the author seemed to almost completely overlook the suicide. Frankly, I was upset the way the suicide of Eddie's father was casually approached. If you enjoy a slightly clicheteen novel, this book is for you, but don't read it if you expect to find anything much deeper than that.
Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Minnetonka, Minnesota United States
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